I seem to be digging much of Dolph Lundgren's recent output, but while I quite liked Lundgren's "Missionary Man" (which was produced by Andrew Stevens)
however there's no denying the material is lifted right off Clint Eastwood's mid-80s symbolic western "Pale Rider". So much, that there are set-pieces and plot threads that are quite identical, which leaves you thinking it must be some sort of homage. From the first encounter with some thugs involving timber bats, the fascination of a young girl falling for the stranger to the almighty vicious final standoff between the stranger and some bikers that he might share a past with. And that's only a few. It's a western at heart with a modern day face-lift. Lundgren co-wrote, directs and also stars as the stranger who enters town on his motorcycle not just carrying a bible in one hand, but looking for retribution with the other. Sinners better repent, as Lundgren is going to be breaking some bones and taking some lives. There are a lot of confrontations; therefore it means the reckoning is upon those who stand in the way of justice with numerous broken bones and corrupt dead folk. The leering action is brutal and quick, but well captured by Lundgren with his crisp styling. The story is mechanically told, but never does it get too heavy-handed with its themes. The performances are spot on. I like Lundgren in the leading role, bringing that right temperament. Mixing broodiness with mystic. Matthew Tompkins and John Enos III make for effective villains. Clichéd, but bruising action entertainment.
"What's your poison?"
"What's your poison?"